Gamers Change Lives
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives. The Gamers Change Lives Podcast is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of an inspiring esports entrepreneur and learn how they solved one particular problem that everyone will ultimately face. I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Episodes
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Martin Elonge, the director of Mountain Hub, a startup accelerator in Cameroon. They discuss the mission and programs of Mountain Hub, including ecosystem building, capacity building, and venture building. Martin explains the difference between startups and SMEs and emphasizes the importance of business skills for entrepreneurs. He also shares insights ...
In this episode, Tom Leonard interviews Mai Phan, the founder of Propel, a startup that builds job simulations to better train nurses. Mai shares her journey from Vietnam to Norway and explains how she started Propel. She discusses the challenges nurses face in the healthcare industry and how Propel's simulations aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Mai also talks about her experience participating in incubator and ac...
In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Mirko Minenza, the Business Strategy Manager at Antal and a gaming enthusiast. They discuss Mirko's background in gaming and his journey into the gaming industry. They also explore the challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry, including the impact of the pandemic and the differences between European and US game development companies. Mirko shares advice for those interested in...
In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Daniel Kwaku Merki, the founder of Boxplay Ventures, a venture builder and startup consultant in Africa. They discuss the role of Boxplay Ventures in supporting early-stage financing for startups and SMEs, as well as providing operational support and strategic guidance. Daniel shares his background in investment banking and how it influenced his decision to focus on supporting entreprene...
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Andreas Johansson, CEO of SSE Business Lab, a startup incubator, and accelerator based in Stockholm. They discuss the difference between incubators and accelerators, the selection criteria for participants, and the importance of founders in startup success. Andreas also shares insights on networking, coaching, and mentoring in the startup ecosystem. He ...
In this episode, Tom Leonard talks with Glenn Gillis and Bella Rogerson from Sea Monster and Games for Change Africa. They discuss the power of games to create social impact and drive change. They also talk about the role of storytelling in games and the importance of collaboration within the gaming industry. The conversation highlights the work of Games for Change Africa in promoting impactful games and supporting game developers ...
In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Elena Lobova, co-founder of GDBay, about her personal perspective on the game development industry in Ukraine and her experiences with the ongoing war in the country. They discuss the benefits of gaming for children, the role of accelerators and incubators in the gaming industry, and the importance of networking and attending events. Elena also shares insights into the future of game dev...
In this episode, host Tom Leonard introduces the theme of Accelerating esports Success and interviews Sho Sato, CEO of LUDiMUS, a game consulting company. They discuss Sho's background in game development and the services LUDiMUS provides. They also explore the popularity of mobile gaming in Japan and the differences between incubators and accelerators. Sho shares insights on finding the right programs for entrepreneurs and the imp...
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Joshua Nelson, the founder and CEO of Emotional Ideas and the creator of Battle Racing. They discuss the journey of building Battle Racing, a patented sports and entertainment technology that combines gaming and real motor sports. Joshua shares his entrepreneurial story and the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles. He also talks about the po...
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard and Executive Producer Reginald Nsowah interview Sarah Rauchwerger, founder of TechLab Innovation Center, about the role of incubators and accelerators in the startup ecosystem. They discuss the different types of programs available, how to find and apply to them, and the benefits of participating in such programs. Sarah emphasizes the importance of market validat...
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Jason Krauss, founder of Prepare for VC. They discuss the different types of organizations that entrepreneurs can tap into, such as communities, incubators, accelerators, and crowdfunding platforms. They also explore the role of universities in the startup world and the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Jason shares insights from hi...
Introduction to Incubators and Accelerators
In Season 4 of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast titled “Accelerating Esports Success” we are talking to people around the world, telling the stories of how entrepreneurs can tap into the resources provided by accelerators, incubators, and other platforms to hone their business skills.
The goal of our conversations is to provide inspiration to esports entrepreneurs, both new and established...
Today we are speaking with three returning guests on our first LinkedIn Live Event: Soufiane EL FILALI from Morocco, Brad Kirby from South Africa, and Ronny Lusigi from Kenya.
Tom Leonard kicks off the LinkedIn Live session of "Gamers Change Lives", exploring the transformative potential of gaming worldwide. Our conversation covers insights from guests Soufiane El-Fidali of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games, Brad Ki...
Today we are speaking with Patricia Ryan Madson, a Professor Emerita from Stanford University, and author of the book: "IMPROV WISDOM: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up".
"The Gamers Change Lives Podcast" Episode with Tom Leonard & Patricia Ryan Madsen:
- Special Guest: Patricia Ryan Madsen, author of "Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up" and Stanford Professor Emerita, brings her improv insights to the gaming conversation.
- ...
Today we are speaking with Matt Abrahams, Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business specializing in Strategic Communication. He hosts the popular podcast “Think Fast Talk Smart”. He is also the author of a new book called “Think Faster Talk Smarter”.
In this episode of "Gamers Change Lives," host Tom Leonard is joined by communication expert Matt Abrahams from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Communica...
Today we are speaking with Robert Gax, Creative Lead, APAC & India at Ampverse in Singapore.
Summary of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast Episode: Esports 101 with Robert Gax
Robert Gax, a seasoned creative director, now drives the vision for Ampverse, the premier gaming ecosystem in Asia. Based in Singapore, he balances his professional world of gaming with family life, raising a toddler alongside media personality, Denise Kelle...
Today’s guest is Justin Jacobson, Esq., an entertainment, esports, and video game attorney from New York City.
We take a dive deep into the world of esports, its legal intricacies, and the business side of gaming.
Key points:
- Justin's professional journey: From growing up on Long Island, navigating the worlds of education in D.C., to returning to New York for law school.
- The motivation behind Justin’s foray into law, driven by ...
Today’s guest is Amila Pathirana. He is the Co-Founder and CEO at GamerTech™ and Founder at The Gaming Insider.
Key Points:
- Esports in Sri Lanka: Amila overviews the esports scene, its decade-long presence, and the challenges faced.
- Amila's Gaming Origins: From Amila's first Gameboy to his involvement in gaming sponsorships and foundational games like Quake.
- An introduction to GamerTech™, focusing on wearable solutions to enhan...
Today we are speaking with Fernando Pereira. He is the President at GROW UP / CEO at XTEND3D / Founder at GIRLGAMER Festival.
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Fernando Pereira, an event organizer and advisor in the gaming and cryptocurrency industries. They discuss event organizing, community building, and the significance of the Girl Gamer Festival in promoting gender diversity in gam...
Donna “BasicTaq” Walters
I am Tom Leonard, the host of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast where we talk about how esports can create jobs anywhere in the world. Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
In Season 1 we talked about jobs. In Season 2 we talked about sponsorship and investment – ‘Follow the Money’. And now in Season 3 we are talking about how to build a business. Esports 101.
Today’s guest is Today’s guest is Donna “BasicTa...
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